Re: James Harden Says Situation Can't Be Fixed, Rockets Want Young Franchise Player In Trade

Post #1 » by **RealGM Wiretap** » Wed Jan 13, 2021 6:13 am

James Harden said that he's done all he can for the Houston Rockets following the team's 117-100 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.

"I love this city. I literally have done everything that I can. I mean, this situation is crazy. It's something that I don't think can be fixed," said Harden following the loss.

Harden added that the Rockets are nowhere near the elite teams in the league.

"We're just not good enough -- chemistry, talent-wise, just everything," said Harden.

The Rockets are reportedly looking for a young franchise cornerstone and a package of first-round picks or players on rookie contracts in exchange for Harden.

The Rockets, who want to remain patient until their demands can be met, have had trade discussions with more than a half-dozen teams.

Via Tim MacMahon/ESPN

Robin Jones · Post #2 » by **Robin Jones** » Wed Jan 13, 2021 7:06 am

Can't he see that HE is a major contributer to the issues the Rockets have?

His massive contract limits the chances to develop the roster significantly.

He asked for Chris Paul, but then was not happy with him. He asked for Westbrook, but then was not happy with him either. As a result of these two trades, the Rockets' chances of developing their roster were further limited.

He is a lazy defender. Usually, when your star player is a lazy defender, this contributes to chemistry issues. Also, this usually means, that the team will not succeed in playoffs.

Harden has a lot of special demands on and off court, which of course contributes to team chemistry negatively.

He is paid big bucks to be a professional basketball player. Then he is late from the training camp, and breaks the NBA and the team's covid protocols. Then when coming back, he is out of shape and starts immediately berating his team mates, that they are no good.

Also, he critizes the owner and his political views. (I don't like Trump either, but 47% of the voters voted him. Should Harden also say no to 47% of his own salary, which is basically paid by the same american people, of which 47% voted for Trump? In Texas this share was even bigger.)

Finally, he continues his special treatment demands by limiting the Rockets' chances of trading him, by naming just a few target teams, actually starting with just one name.

No wonder it has become a very difficult task to move him. Why a contender would take him, just to immediately face the same challenges that the Rockets are facing now?

Theo Ratliff · Post #3 » by **Theo Ratliff** » Wed Jan 13, 2021 10:08 am

The Rockets front office really thought bringing in 2 former all stars who haven't played a lot in the past 3 seasons due to injuries were really going to convince Harden to stay but Harden is just as stupid. He wants to win but doesn't want to make any sacrifices to do it. John Wall has averaged over 9 assists a game for his career and so far this season he's only averaging 5. He's also not a good 3pt shooter. So he's pretty much useless on the court with Harden.

Lee in Oregon · Post #4 » by **Lee in Oregon** » Wed Jan 13, 2021 10:16 am

Sixers just sitting back watching the price drop.

Jedzz · Post #5 » by **Jedzz** » Wed Jan 13, 2021 12:19 pm

Temporarily retire. Release whatever is left on your contract for a one dollar buyout. Get back in shape and rejoin a competitive playoff team next season on league minimum. I mean, if that's all you are playing for.

BigHustle · Post #6 » by **BigHustle** » Wed Jan 13, 2021 1:09 pm

#FreeHarden

Da ThRONe · Post #7 » by **Da ThRONe** » Wed Jan 13, 2021 1:59 pm

Lee in Oregon wrote:Sixers just sitting back watching the price drop.

It's not like Ben Simmons stock is raising.

rajajackal · Post #8 » by **rajajackal** » Wed Jan 13, 2021 2:49 pm

NYK get: Jimmy Butler
MIA get: James Harden
HOU gets: Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, Tyler Herro, Nerlens Noel, Avery Bradley, 2021 DAL 1st

Sinobas · Post #9 » by **Sinobas** » Wed Jan 13, 2021 3:09 pm

Jedzz wrote:Temporarily retire. Release whatever is left on your contract for a one dollar buyout. Get back in shape and rejoin a competitive playoff team next season on league minimum. I mean, if that's all you are playing for.

Not sure how it works in the NBA, but when you retire from the NFL, your former team retains the rights over you. So you couldn't just come back to another team.

Bentley1225 · Post #10 » by **Bentley1225** » Wed Jan 13, 2021 3:12 pm

Just shows his lack of leadership. Play hard, compete and keep your mouth shut. Im sure this is a tactic for him to control/affect his market value. He knows that given start to season/new additions, that this isn't a playoff team.

However, I dont think he gets dealt during the season. A player of his caliber and contract size does not get dealt in season.

t-rexCity · Post #11 » by **t-rexCity** » Wed Jan 13, 2021 3:30 pm

rajajackal wrote:NYK get: Jimmy Butler
MIA get: James Harden
HOU gets: Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, Tyler Herro, Nerlens Noel, Avery Bradley, 2021 DAL 1st

LOL. Why would MIA trade Jimmy when they just made the finals? Are you a Knicks fan?

fuller4379 · Post #12 » by **fuller4379** » Wed Jan 13, 2021 4:10 pm

Rockets have self destructed in the three years. They were up on the Warriors 3-2 prior to CP3 getting injured in 2018. They have traded all the players who had good chemistry with Harden and now have a bunch of ill-fitting pieces. Harden's contract and age are not going to give a big return if they trade him. Whoever gets him would want him for a playoff run this season. Draft picks and prospects will probably be the best they can get.

Elnegron · Post #13 » by **Elnegron** » Wed Jan 13, 2021 4:22 pm

That's what the heat offered and they turned down. Heat offered olynyk and iggy expiring matching contract, herro, achiuwa, kz okpala and 2027 1st round. They got greedy and wanted more so now bleep them. Harden not worth the drama and baggage. I am glad heat only playing with 8 for this week do fans appreciate tyler herro more after another 30 point performance last night at only 20 years old being a sophomore. Wait till he bulk up abit more so he can absorb more contact and fight through screens better

Elnegron · Post #14 » by **Elnegron** » Wed Jan 13, 2021 4:32 pm

Bentley1225 wrote:Just shows his lack of leadership. Play hard, compete and keep your mouth shut. Im sure this is a tactic for him to control/affect his market value. He knows that given start to season/new additions, that this isn't a playoff team.

However, I dont think he gets dealt during the season. A player of his caliber and contract size does not get dealt in season.

Negative. Rockets not trying to deal him and instead they asking for a package they knew they weren't getting which means they weren't looking to trade him. Harden playing harder equals to harden staying there. Blame this on houston

asuran · Post #15 » by **asuran** » Wed Jan 13, 2021 4:40 pm

rajajackal wrote:NYK get: Jimmy Butler
MIA get: James Harden
HOU gets: Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, Tyler Herro, Nerlens Noel, Avery Bradley, 2021 DAL 1st

Harden may be really awesome when his mind is into it, top 3-5 player recent times, but it doesn't look like he fits with the Miami Heat culture at all.

Butler, nowhere as talented as Harden, but he is like the perfect 'leader' for those young guys in Miami.

Harden, no matter how good he is, talent wise seem to lack that mental strength and leadership qualities.

MINDKCUF · Post #16 » by **MINDKCUF** » Wed Jan 13, 2021 4:45 pm

t-rexCity wrote:
rajajackal wrote:NYK get: Jimmy Butler
MIA get: James Harden
HOU gets: Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, Tyler Herro, Nerlens Noel, Avery Bradley, 2021 DAL 1st

LOL. Why would MIA trade Jimmy when they just made the finals? Are you a Knicks fan?

no, hes a houston fan, they get a 3 starters, 2 quality benchers and a 1st rd. out of it.

rajajackal · Post #17 » by **rajajackal** » Wed Jan 13, 2021 4:47 pm

MINDKCUF wrote:
t-rexCity wrote:
rajajackal wrote:NYK get: Jimmy Butler
MIA get: James Harden
HOU gets: Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, Tyler Herro, Nerlens Noel, Avery Bradley, 2021 DAL 1st

LOL. Why would MIA trade Jimmy when they just made the finals? Are you a Knicks fan?

no, hes a houston fan, they get a 3 starters, 2 quality benchers and a 1st rd. out of it.

actually i am a Knicks fan, and if it's Miami who needs the 1st to make it work, so be it :lol:

for us it reduces a fraction and reunites Butler with Thibs

Brocktoon · Post #18 » by **Brocktoon** » Wed Jan 13, 2021 5:00 pm

I think the situation can be fixed. It is disheartening to the players on a team when the team leader and best player is borderline obese and frequenting strip clubs and/or casinos nightly. They probably question why they should give a darn if that fat guy can give the middle finger to everyone and still get paid? So if the fat guy that is leading the team starts doing some jumping jacks and stays in the gym instead of splitting 8s against a Jack, it might rub off on everyone else. Just a thought

Ballerhogger · Post #19 » by **Ballerhogger** » Wed Jan 13, 2021 5:51 pm

the heat are non suitors beacause they dont have cap to match salaries since harden makes 41m a year,

Ballerhogger · Post #20 » by **Ballerhogger** » Wed Jan 13, 2021 5:52 pm

t-rexCity wrote:
rajajackal wrote:NYK get: Jimmy Butler
MIA get: James Harden
HOU gets: Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, Tyler Herro, Nerlens Noel, Avery Bradley, 2021 DAL 1st

LOL. Why would MIA trade Jimmy when they just made the finals? Are you a Knicks fan?

a fanasty trade it is lol